The Rutgers University Libraries utilize the Library of Congress (or LC) Classification
system to organize most of their collection. All employees who work with the collection must
be proficient in comprehending and using the LC Classification system. To effectively train
our employees, we have created a training module capable of providing multiple training
options based on both the new employee's ability to comprehend LC Classification and the
individual unit's collection and manpower.

The following are the components of the training module, followed by a brief description.

LC PowerPoint presentation: An orientation on the Powerpoint program that serves as an
introduction to the LC system. This tutorial can either be launched from the RUL website
under Staff Resources, or downloaded onto an individual machine from the Douglass T-Drive
(Common / NB Col Mgmt Group / Training Materials).

LC handout: A handout with the basic rules and theories of LC Classification.

Written LC tests: Each test has 3 sets of standard sections followed by a fourth section
customized to reflect the contents of the specific unit's collection. A generic retest as
well as an archive of older LC tests will be available on the Douglass T-Drive (Common / NB
Col Mgmt Group / Training Materials).

LC Flash cards: Pre-printed index cards with LC Call Numbers on them.

Hands-on training with an instructor: Any type of training using library materials not
covered in the above components, such as marking books with index cards to judge the accuracy
of shelving, or sorting books on non-public shelves.

The training module is designed to allow the instructor at each unit to pick the components
that they feel will best suit the new employee in the time they have allotted to train them.
Though the training is fairly open ended, it is recommended that the following steps be the
basis for introduction to all new employees working with the LC system.

Recommended Steps

Step 1. Allow the new employee to review the LC PowerPoint presentation. This presentation
will form the foundation upon which the rest of the training is based.

Step 2. Distribute the LC handout to the new employee. This will provide reference material
that the new employee may use during the course of their training.

Step 3. After these materials have been reviewed and any questions the new employee may have
had have been answered, the remaining components of the module can be administered in any
order over a reasonable period of time. This allows units with fewer training personnel to
give priority to automated training programs while larger units may proceed with testing and
hands-on training. This method also allows new employees who are more proficient in the LC
Classification System to bypass unnecessary and redundant components of the training.

Finally, the training coordinator for each unit must decide on the level of mastery a new
employee must achieve to be proficient in the LC Classification System. Any new employees who
work with Call Numbers may be called upon to work independently from time to time. It is
recommended that students who work in the stacks be trained to a high level of proficiency.